With the benefits that come along with computers, the Internet, and all they have to offer also comes the potential for fraud and data breaches.
As a small business owner operating in the digital age, it is critical to be mindful of the risks associated with the use of technology, to establish cybersecurity, and to be careful about who has access to your information. Even the most prepared are still susceptible to hackers and theft; therefore, you should establish a plan if your data has been breached.
The first step? Be prepared.
If you’re reading this, you may have already experienced a data breach. Don’t panic. The moment you acknowledge you have a breach, make a list of the customers and government officials in your state you must contact, and make the necessary calls. Simultaneously, begin any necessary recovery processes. If you don’t have an in-house IT, look to digital forensic firms like Secure Data Recovery so you can keep your business running. A data breach will not only result in damages, but also extended time without being able to run your business could potentially force you to close. The sooner you get your company back up and running, the better.
During this time, it’s also good to take a look at privacy laws to understand your responsibility when it comes to informing your customers/clients that their private information — whether it’s their contact info or payment details — has been compromised.
Continue reading this story in the August issue of Floral Management.
Lindsey Weiss is the co-creator of Outbounding, a niche publishing platform, and an expert in digital marketing and branding. lindsey@outbounding.com
